New Delhi: The ancient city Varanasi, known for its rich cultural heritage, is constantly treading on the road of growth and development, thanks to the innovative programs and unwavering dedication of Chief Development Officer IAS Himanshu Nagpal. From reuniting lost children through 'Mission Muskan' to revolutionizing education with 'Bulava Abhiyan,' and fostering rural tourism and economic growth, Nagpal's leadership has left an indelible mark on this historic city. In an exclusive interview with Bureaucrats India, Himanshu Nagpal, IAS, shares his pioneering initiatives that have been instrumental in the transformation and facelift of Varanasi. Here are excerpts:

What inspired Mission Muskaan in Varanasi, and can you share its key achievements and heartwarming stories?

Mission Muskaan in Varanasi reunites children separated from their families during pilgrimages due to crowd and rush. The initiative uses well-equipped childcare homes and NGO partners to reconnect kids with their families. It involves 12 teams with various stakeholders like the social welfare department, Women and Child Welfare department, Municipal corporation, Anti-human trafficking team, police, and psychologists. So far, over 780 children have been successfully reunited with their families, bringing heartwarming stories of tears and joy as loved ones are brought back together.

Tell us about another initiative 'Bulava Abhiyan' which aims to address low attendance in schools in Varanasi and its outcomes?

Recognizing the need to improve attendance, 'Bulava Abhiyan' was launched, addressing attendance issues from both the parental and teacher perspectives. Learning from successful schools, we implemented strategies like consistent presence of principals and teachers, involvement of local functionaries, and enhanced parent-school interactions. With the enforcement of seven Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in 150 underperforming schools, we remarkably boosted daily attendance from below 40% to 80%, making Varanasi's attendance rate the highest in the state. Additionally, we've supported 1730 students who had to leave school due to family financial constraints, providing state scholarships and economic assistance.

Can you explain the objectives of 'Bhikshavriti Mukt Kashi' and how this campaign effectively tackled begging near sacred places.

In alignment with Mission Muskan, Varanasi's destitute individuals near the ghats are identified and reconnected with their families. Varanasi, a city of pilgrimages with millions of daily tourists, often sees a significant number of beggars. Our investigation revealed that many of these beggars are abandoned by their families or suffer from disabilities. We've placed them in shelter homes, provided skill training for livelihood, and offered support through government programs like PM Svanidhi and Mudra yojana. After six months, the mission is showing promising results, and we aim to make Kashi a beggar-free city with ongoing efforts.

How have the 'Mission Padhaku' libraries impacted education in rural villages?

As a former village resident and now Chief Development Officer, I noticed the lack of educational opportunities in rural areas. Many vacant houses were unused, so we transformed them into libraries, equipping them with books, computers, and facilities. With support from officers and the community, we quickly established 130 digital libraries in a month, with minimal government assistance. We now educate children and self-help group members, teaching basic IT skills like MS Office and web browsing. Impressed by our work, the Government of India is funding 356 more digital libraries in gram panchayats, set to be known as PM Libraries, dedicated to the public in the next 20 days.

What initiatives led to Varanasi's recognition in rural tourism promotion and its impact on tourism and economic development?

Varanasi, India's cultural capital, with its Kashi Vishwanath corridor, ghats, and Sarnath, draws millions of tourists annually. We've enhanced our villages to showcase village life to global tourists, creating themed villages for pilgrimage, eco-tourism, and agri-tourism. We collaborated with stakeholders, farmer producer organizations, and experts to develop infrastructure, sanitation, and healthcare. We've also facilitated village stays for tourists, resulting in a significant increase in monthly tourist attraction, with villages like Kathy, Rameshwar, and Shool Tankeshwar Mahadev set to become prominent tourism destinations.

How will the international cricket stadium contribute to sports and tourism development in Varanasi and the surrounding region?

The honorable Prime Minister inaugurated the BCCI International cricket stadium in Ganjari, Varanasi, with a seating capacity of 35,000. This stadium is connected to a ring road, aiming to ease traffic and enhance facilities for residents. The development of New Kashi is underway, set to become a hub for growth in eastern Uttar Pradesh, attracting various investors. Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit neighboring districts such as Chandauli, Gazipur, Johnpur, Azamgarh, Pratapgarh, and provide opportunities for investment, economic growth, and livelihood not only in eastern UP but also in neighboring states like Bihar and Jharkhand.

How did you stay motivated during personal tragedies on your path to becoming an IAS officer?

In 2018, I took the UPSC exam and secured the 26th rank on my first attempt, despite facing challenges like the loss of my father and brother, which added family responsibilities. I attribute my success to hard work, my mother's blessings, and divine grace. Self-motivation, setting realistic goals, perseverance, and consistency is crucial for overcoming obstacles. Balancing academics and hobbies are key to success.

How do you manage hobbies alongside your demanding work schedule?

In my current role, balancing work and personal life can be challenging, but I believe that hobbies are essential to maintain energy and motivation. I enjoy long-distance cycling during holidays and weekends, capturing Varanasi's beautiful scenery to improve my photography skills. I've also been honing my poetry skills and occasionally participate in sports like badminton, squash, tennis, and shooting when time permits.

Please share a message for Bureaucrats India?

Bureaucrats India's initiative has been commendable, offering valuable content and shared experiences that I have enjoyed reading and learning from. I wish for Bureaucrats India's continued growth and recognition. Best wishes to the team for their future endeavors.